as in red lights
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit
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Recent Examples of red flags
Analysts are increasingly highlighting potential red flags hanging over the AI investment cycle, especially the web of deals that some say gives the appearance that funds are simply being passed back and forth between the same companies.
—
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker is accused of ignoring red flags that might have averted the 2023 shooting.
—Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Top red flags related to cleanliness include a dirty bathroom, dishes or takeout boxes everywhere, no shower curtain, having a mattress on the floor, and clothes on the floor.
—Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Why this could be a scam John's experience shows several red flags.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Their findings raised red flags.
—John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
But the red flags are there, too.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Members of the Metropolitan Airports Commission had raised red flags over a streetcar accessing the same track as the Blue Line light rail at MSP, as well as necessary road improvements approaching the airport.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025
No big credit red flags, though corporate credit spreads are up off their lows in recent weeks and the nagging questions about a couple of private-debt blowups are on repeat.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Former Assistant Principal Ebony Parker is accused of ignoring red flags that might have averted the 2023 shooting.
—Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Top red flags related to cleanliness include a dirty bathroom, dishes or takeout boxes everywhere, no shower curtain, having a mattress on the floor, and clothes on the floor.
—Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Why this could be a scam John's experience shows several red flags.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Their findings raised red flags.
—John Leos, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
But the red flags are there, too.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Members of the Metropolitan Airports Commission had raised red flags over a streetcar accessing the same track as the Blue Line light rail at MSP, as well as necessary road improvements approaching the airport.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025
No big credit red flags, though corporate credit spreads are up off their lows in recent weeks and the nagging questions about a couple of private-debt blowups are on repeat.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
Federal regulators also have opened yet another investigation into Tesla’s self-driving feature after dozens of incidents in which the cars ran red lights or drove on the wrong side of the road, sometimes crashing into other vehicles and causing injuries.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
-
If the emergency vehicle behind you has solid blue and red lights shining, the officer inside is patrolling the area and just wants to be visible.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The footage, however, does not clearly show what preceded the alleged incident or whether any warnings were given.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
China conducted military exercises in Serbia in July despite stern warnings from the European Union, and Belgrade provides Beijing with a security foothold in Europe.—
Chris Massaro,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Trade discussions dominated those meetings, but there were signs of growing tensions over Beijing’s surging conventional and nuclear arsenal.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Thanks to their thoughtful preservation efforts, signs of the past remain.—
Mel Studach,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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